Quick Verdict
A reliable workhorse that powered countless mid-range gaming laptops, though obsolete by modern standards.
Overview
Launch
2013
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
4th Gen
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i7-4700HQ is a fourth-generation mobile processor launched in May 2013, designed to power high-performance laptops and mobile workstations. Built on the Haswell microarchitecture, it features four physical cores and eight threads, providing substantial parallel processing capabilities for demanding applications. Operating at a base frequency of 2.4 GHz, it can dynamically boost up to 3.4 GHz when thermal headroom permits. Unlike the premium Crystalwell variants, this model utilizes Intel HD Graphics 4600 rather than the eDRAM-enabled HD 5200, making it a more standard offering for gaming laptops paired with discrete GPUs. With a 47-watt TDP, it strikes a balance between raw performance and power consumption, fitting comfortably within thick-and-light gaming chassis. Although end-of-life, it served as a workhorse CPU during a crucial transition period in mobile computing, delivering reliable frame rates and multitasking efficiency for a generation of laptop users.
As a staple of 2013 gaming laptops, the Core i7-4700HQ delivered excellent quad-core performance for its time. Operating at 47W, it features Intel HD 4600 graphics but was typically paired with discrete GPUs. It handles legacy workloads well but struggles with modern multi-threaded applications due to its 22nm architecture.
Specifications
Performance
Adequate for basic multitasking and office apps.
Can run lightweight VMs for development.
Handles older eSports titles well, bottlenecks modern GPUs.
47W TDP results in poor battery life by modern standards.
- •Bottlenecks modern mid-range GPUs
- •Great for 2013-2015 titles
- •No NPU or modern AI acceleration
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Crystalwell
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
6 MB
L3 Cache
47 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-4700HQ utilizes Intel's highly efficient 22-nanometer Haswell microarchitecture, specifically tailored for the mobile BGA 1364 socket. Unlike desktop counterparts, it is soldered directly to the motherboard, enabling thinner profiles but eliminating upgrade paths. The die houses 1.4 billion transistors within a 264 mm² footprint. It features 6MB of shared L3 cache, facilitating quick data access for multi-threaded workloads. While grouped under the Crystalwell umbrella by some databases, this specific variant lacks the dedicated 128MB L4 eDRAM cache, relying instead on Intel HD Graphics 4600 for integrated visual processing. Memory support includes dual-channel DDR3-1600, providing up to 25.6 GB/s of bandwidth. The processor interfaces with external components via 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes, ensuring adequate bandwidth for discrete graphics cards and fast storage. Its 47-watt thermal design power necessitates robust active cooling, typically involving dual heat pipes and dedicated fans to maintain optimal turbo frequencies during extended gaming sessions.
CPU Design
4 physical cores with Hyper-Threading.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3 support.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes directly from the CPU.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier.
- Improved IPC
- Better integrated graphics
- New socket
Key Highlights
- Reliable quad-core performance
- Widely compatible laptop ecosystem
- Good turbo boost headroom
- VT-d and AES-NI support
- Soldered to motherboard
- No eDRAM for graphics
- End-of-life and unsupported
- High heat output under load
History
Launched in late May 2013, the Core i7-4700HQ arrived at a pivotal moment for the laptop industry, coinciding with the widespread adoption of Full HD displays and the growing demand for mobile gaming. As a flagship Haswell mobile part, it replaced the popular Ivy Bridge i7-3630QM, offering notable improvements in efficiency and integrated graphics performance. During its lifespan, it became the default CPU choice for countless mid-range to high-end gaming laptops, serving as the beating heart of machines from brands like Lenovo, ASUS, and MSI.
Its inclusion of Intel HD 4600 represented a significant step up from previous generations, though it was often overshadowed by the discrete GPUs it accompanied. As Intel transitioned to Broadwell and Skylake, the 4700HQ was eventually phased out, leaving behind a legacy as a reliable, capable workhorse that powered a generation of consumers into high-resolution mobile gaming and heavy multitasking workflows.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Improved IPC
- Better integrated graphics
- New socket
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Locating an Intel Core i7-4700HQ today means searching the used market, as it has been end-of-life for several years. For consumers looking to purchase a budget-friendly used laptop, a machine equipped with this processor can still handle everyday tasks, light photo editing, and older games reasonably well. However, its 47-watt power draw and older 22nm architecture mean battery life will be subpar compared to modern ultrabooks. If you are repairing an existing laptop, this CPU remains a solid component, provided the motherboard and cooling system are in good condition. Do not invest in a system with this chip if your goal is modern AAA gaming or heavy video editing; the lack of modern instruction sets and single-core performance will be a severe bottleneck. Instead, view it as a capable retro-gaming or basic productivity companion.
Avoid if…
- Need modern battery life
- Playing modern AAA games
- Editing 4K video
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
Powered millions of mid-2010s gaming laptops.
Often paired with GTX 765M or GTX 770M.
Uses the FC-BGA1364 package.
Lacks TSX-NI support found in later refreshes.
Base clock is 100MHz.
Features Intel 64 architecture.
Max Tcase is 100°C.
Part number is SR15E.
Supports up to 3 independent displays.
Lacks built-in voltage regulation smoothing.
People Also Ask
Is i7-4700HQ good for gaming?
Only for older games; it bottlenecks modern GPUs.
Can you overclock i7-4700HQ?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What is the TDP of i7-4700HQ?
47 watts.
Does i7-4700HQ have Iris graphics?
No, it has Intel HD 4600.
What socket is i7-4700HQ?
BGA 1364, soldered to the board.
When was i7-4700HQ released?
May 27th, 2013.
Is i7-4700HQ still supported?
No, it is end-of-life.
Does i7-4700HQ support Windows 11?
Not officially.
How many threads does i7-4700HQ have?
8 threads.
What RAM does i7-4700HQ use?
DDR3-1600.
Frequently Asked Questions
What generation is the i7-4700HQ?
4th generation Intel Core (Haswell).
Does i7-4700HQ support DDR4?
No, it uses DDR3.
Can I replace i7-4700HQ?
Only with another BGA 1364 CPU, requiring soldering.
Does it have VT-x?
Yes, virtualization is supported.
Is it unlocked?
No, multiplier is locked.
Does it have eDRAM?
No, that feature is on Crystalwell parts.
Max temperature?
100°C.
L3 cache size?
6 MB.
Is it good for streaming?
No, it lacks modern encoders and core count.
Does it support AES-NI?
Yes.